Chris Wyse of Owl recommends Iron Maiden

Chris Wyse’s recommendation: “I got into Iron Maiden when I was only 14 years old. My friends played guitar and drums and really wanted me to play bass. They played all kinds of great records to inspire me, but when they played Iron Maiden I was hooked. Steve Harris’ bass was so aggressive and punchy. I never heard anything like it. The band roared with a relentless rhythm section, harmony guitars and a belting strong lead singer. As a kid I was almost scared and excited by the mystical topic matter while also taking in the musical onslaught of Steve Harris. I had now found my passion. I remember the teachers in school telling me to stop because I was always tapping out the right hand alternate 1,2 style finger picking on my desk. This was a great foundation for playing and strength. Maiden brought us a theater in our minds. They have this great mascot named Eddie that is a sort of skeletal monster that adds to the Maiden experience.”

Not familiar with Iron Maiden? Chris suggests you start here: “The album that I would have to suggest is Number of the Beast. Its got all the drama and rage a good hard rock record needs. The actual song Number Of The Beast is what got me wanting to play bass. There is lots of hi bass riffing and really great banshee screams and power vocals. I used to love singing and playing Run To The Hills. What a challenge to do both! I also love the album cover where Eddie holds the strings over the devil and has control. I recommend also watching the Iron Maiden documentary Flight 666 to see what the band in action. If this doesn’t inspire, I don’t know what will. My band Owl probably wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for Iron Maiden.”

About our guest author, Chris Wyse: Anyone that tells you that modeling your playing style from Iron Maiden and Kiss won’t get you anywhere would be dead wrong. Chris Wyse lived for Maiden and Kiss as a kid and practiced hard. The payoff came when he was profiled at just 17 years old in Guitar Player Magazine for his bass playing style. From there, he went on to be the ‘go to’ recording session bassist for some of the biggest names in the biz, including Mick Jagger, Scott Weiland, The Cult and Ozzy Osbourne. Chris now has his own band, Owl, whose second album The Right Thing (title song video is below) will be released in April. The album includes a heavier take on the Kinks classic, Destroyer that we’re just dying to hear. The band is currently on tour, so head over to their official site to check the dates.